The As added five more relievers to their stacked bullpen Saturday among the eight players who joined their roster, but the bigger news may be who may not be part of Oaklands organization any longer.

Catcher Bruce Maxwell, who reached a plea agreement in April after allegedly pointing a gun at a food delivery worker, was designated for assignment. The 27-year-old agreed to probation and community service after initially being charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct.

Maxwell also gained national notoriety before last Novembers incident in Arizona when he became the first player in Major League Baseball to protest social injustices by taking a knee during the national anthem.

Its not likely that Maxwell, who also had a rough season on the field, will be picked up by another team. And it may not have a lot to do with his protesting. Its still possible Maxwell will clear waivers and return to their organization.

Once looked upon as the As catcher of the future, Maxwell disappointed this season, hitting just .182 for the As in 18 games before being shipped to Triple-A Nashville. Maxwell also struggled in Nashville, hitting just .219 with a .581 OPS. The left-handed hitting catcher had one home run and 17 RBIs for the Sounds in 51 games.

Meanwhile, the As bullpen reinforcements from Nashville include right-handers Liam Hendriks and Chris Hatcher as well as lefties Daniel Coulumbe and Dean Kiekhefer, a 29-year-old who pitched to a 5.32 ERA in 26 games with the Cardinals in 2016. Former Giant Corey Gearrin, acquired from the Rangers on Friday, was officially added to the team as well.

The As also beefed up their bench by recalling infielder Franklin Barretto and catcher Beau Taylor and activating outfielder Matt Joyce.In addition to designating Maxwell, the As cleared space on their 40-man roster by outrighting outfielder Boog Powell and pitcher Josh Lucas to Nashville.

Kendall Graveman, who underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in July, was recalled only to be placed on the 60-day disabled list in a procedural move that also opened up a spot on the As 40-man roster.